Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile robot capable of carrying out an operation within an environment, the method including: storing an environment map in a memory, the environment map including data to enable the robot to navigate the environment; further storing in the memory data corresponding to one or more hazard areas encountered by the mobile robot during previous operations; and reducing a tilt threshold of the robot when the mobile robot is navigating within an area of the environment that corresponds to a previously encountered hazard area.

Abstract: A cleaner head comprises an agitator supported for rotation about a rotation axis. The cleaner head has a spool which comprises a narrowed waist positioned axially between two radially enlarged portions. The axial end of the agitator terminates in a rim positioned radially outward from and axially in line with the narrowed waist, and is configured to allow hair wrapped around the agitator to travel axially along it and slip off the rim onto the narrowed waist.

Abstract: A cleaner head includes an agitator; a housing defining an agitator chamber and an aperture through which the agitator can be removed from the agitator chamber; and an end cap attachable to the housing to close the aperture, and releasable from the housing to open the aperture. The end cap is attachable and releasable by rotating at least a locking portion of the end cap about a locking axis between locked and unlocked positions relative to the housing. The cleaner head has a latch mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the locking portion to the unlocked position. The latch mechanism has a release member which is provided on the end cap, the release member being operable by hand to release the latch.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes a suction chamber; an outlet duct; an underside for engaging a surface to be cleaned; a main suction opening in the underside, which opens into the suction chamber; an auxiliary suction path which opens into the suction chamber; and a bleed path in fluid communication with the outlet duct. The suction nozzle further includes a valve mechanism arranged to open and close the auxiliary suction path and the bleed path, the valve mechanism being movable between a first configuration in which the auxiliary suction path is closed and the bleed path is open, a second configuration in which the auxiliary suction path is open and the bleed path is closed, and a third configuration in which both the auxiliary suction path and the bleed path are closed.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes a suction chamber; an outlet duct; an underside for engaging a surface to be cleaned; a main suction opening in the underside, which opens into the suction chamber; an auxiliary suction path which opens into the suction chamber; and a bleed path in fluid communication with the outlet duct. The suction nozzle further includes a valve mechanism arranged to open and close the auxiliary suction path and the bleed path, the valve mechanism being movable between a first configuration in which the auxiliary suction path is closed and the bleed path is open, a second configuration in which the auxiliary suction path is open and the bleed path is closed, and a third configuration in which both the auxiliary suction path and the bleed path are closed.

Abstract: A cleaner head includes an agitator; a housing defining an agitator chamber and an aperture through which the agitator can be removed from the agitator chamber; and an end cap attachable to the housing to close the aperture, and releasable from the housing to open the aperture. The end cap is attachable and releasable by rotating at least a locking portion of the end cap about a locking axis between locked and unlocked positions relative to the housing. The cleaner head has a latch mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the locking portion to the unlocked position. The latch mechanism has a release member which is provided on the end cap, the release member being operable by hand to release the latch.